Quick ideas for taking care of yourself – today!

You don’t need a special reason or occasion to be kind to yourself. If you’re in need of a mini reboot, try something from the list below.

Leave your phone to charge in another room and pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read

Watch a show

Go for a short walk (it’s still summertime, apparently!)

Write down everything that’s worrying you and put it someplace safe to deal with tomorrow

Meditate for 5 or 10 minutes (listen to a guided meditation if that’s easiest)

Take a bath or shower

Draw a picture with your kids

Find a Yin yoga video on YouTube and do some gentle, restorative stretching

Listen to music you haven’t put on for awhile

Plan the rest of your week and schedule some down time each day

Do something you’ve been avoiding or putting off so you can stop thinking about it

Give someone in your family an unexpected compliment

Write down 10 things that you’re grateful for today, in this moment

Notice self-criticism, and ask, “Would I talk to a friend this way?”

Stress relief is a complex process, and it’s important not to underestimate the small things we can do to show compassion for ourselves. Start a running list of the things you can do to shift your mood and lower your stress level when you need a short-term fix of calmness and rejuvenation.